Study details poverty issue in Missoula County

from KPAX

A recently released two year study shows that some 14.5% of Missoula County's population lives below the poverty line and as a result have has a difficult time putting food on the table.

Officials say that many who are applying for state and federal food assistance programs find out their income levels are cited as too high so they don't qualify.

Researcher Maxine Jacobson says it's important to adjust the eligibility income guidelines so more people can take advantage of these services.

"What we have in Missoula County are notoriously low wages coupled with high health care, like it is across the country, and also extremely high housing costs. That puts a lot of people into a predicament where they have to make those tough choices."

The study was discussed during a Wednesday night meeting in Missoula.